Q. What is Mesothelioma?

A. Mesothelioma is a rare but potentially fatal cancer that affects a layer of the body called as mesothelium. Typically mesothelioma develops in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavity. There are three forms of mesothelioma:

1. Pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma that affects the coverings of the lungs.
2. Peritoneal mesothelioms. Mesothelioma that affects the covering of the abdominal organs.
3. Pericardial mesothelioma. Mesothelioma that affects the covering of the heart.

Pleural is the most common followed by peritoneal and lastly pericardial.

Q. What are the causes of mesothelioma?

A. Asbestos is the number one cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a fine fiber material that is resistant to heat. These fibers when inhaled get into the air passages and then reach the pleural cells. The asbestos injures the pleural cells and this injury leads to either benign or malignant transformation. Asbestos is found in many types of industrial supplies and equipments. Asbestos exposure does not lead to mesothelioma immediately. Often it takes decades before the person manifests the symptoms of the disease. Smoking does not lead to mesothelioma though the risk is more for a smoker exposed to asbestos.

Q. What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?

A. Often mistaken for pneumonia, mesothelioma is very difficult to diagnose based on symptoms alone. The most common symptoms include:

Persistent cough.
Shortness of breath.
Chest pains.
Swelling up of face and neck.
Coughing up blood.
Nausea and vomiting.
Weight loss.
Loss of appetite.

Not everyone exposed to asbestos will develop mesothelioma. However keep in mind the risk of asbestos exposure and mesothelioma and speaking to a doctor will help in screening and early detection of the disease.

Q. What treatment options are available for mesothelioma?

A. Mesothelioma is often a very difficult disease to diagnose and treat. The various treatment options include:

Surgery in early stages to reduce tumor burden.
Chemotherapy with agents like Cisplatin.
Radiotherapy.
Gene therapy.
Immunotherapy.
Photodynamic therapy.